Make Kabsa

Kabsa is a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of spices, rice, meat and vegetables. It is usually made with chicken, lamb, or beef, but occasionally other meats are used. The use of pre-prepared kabsa spice available at grocery stores reduces preparation time. It is an easy and straightforward recipe to follow.

Serves 4-5. Preparation Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 chopped large yellow onions
  • 2 cups of cooked rice
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 large red tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp kabsa spice
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp of 7 spice mixture
  • 2 pounds (907g) of chicken breast (boneless) cut into 1/2-inch (1.27cm) strips
  • 1 can (14.5oz/1.8 cups/411g) of tomato paste mixed with 1 cup water
  • 2 cups of water
  • Pistachios, pine nuts, almonds to garnish
  • 2 cups of plain yogurt
  • Salt per taste

Steps

The Rice

  1. After 3 tablespoons of olive oil is warmed in the pot, add the chopped onions. Sauté till they turn golden brown.
  2. Grate the tomatoes using a cheese grater and add it to the pot along with the kabsa spice. Stir the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Add in the cooked rice slowly and mix well until the white rice turns slightly yellow. Set rice aside.

The Chicken:

  1. In the second pot add 2 cups of water, chicken strips and 2 tbsp olive oil and bring to a boil for 15 minutes.
  2. While the chicken is boiling, mix together 1 can tomato paste, 1 cup of water, and the 7 spice mixture in the mixing bowl.
  3. After the chicken has boiled for 15 minutes, strain the water and transfer the chicken to the bowl. Mix well until the chicken is well coated with tomato paste.

Together:

  1. Place all the nuts on a baking sheet and roast it in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Combine the chicken, rice and add salt to taste.
  3. Top with roasted nuts as garnish.
  4. Serve hot with cool plain yogurt.



Tips

  • If unable to find the spices mentioned, you can prepare them at home by combining: 1/2 tsp of black pepper, turmeric, coriander powder, fennel powder, allspice and ground cardamom each, to make 1 tbsp of kabsa spice.
  • Ready-to-use roasted nuts available at the grocery stores can be substituted for fresh, which helps save cooking time.
  • To prepare 1 tbsp of 7 spice mixture, combine 1/2 tsp each of black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, Bruise Cardamom, nutmeg, coriander powder and 2 cloves.
  • Kabsa and 7 spice mixtures can be found at Middle Eastern markets or in the ethnic food aisle at your local grocery store.

Warnings

  • Do not leave the stove top unattended while cooking.
  • Be cautious while handling the knives and cheese grater.
  • Drain the chicken slowly to avoid contact with hot water.
  • When handling raw chicken be sure to clean up with plenty of soapy hot water to avoid salmonella and other types of food poisoning.
  • Use oven mitts while handling hot pots or baking sheets to avoid burning your skin.

Things You'll Need

  • 2, 5 quart (4.74 liter) pots
  • 1 large mixing bowl for the chicken
  • 2 spatulas; 1 mixing spoon
  • 1 cheese grater
  • 1 baking sheet to roast the nuts

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